Saira Bano opens up on first meeting Hema Malini on 'Deewana' set in 1966
Synopsis
Saira Bano's heartfelt Instagram post captures the magic of a lifelong friendship forged on the sets of Deewana in 1966. Her recollection of being "absolutely mesmerised" by Hema Malini's beauty, paired with nostalgic memories of intimate conversations at Krishna Raj Sagar Dam, offers a rare, unguarded window into the bonds of cinema's golden age — where professional proximity became personal legacy.
Key Takeaways
Saira Bano and Hema Malini first met on the sets of Deewana in 1966 alongside Raj Kapoor .
Bano described being "absolutely mesmerised" by Hema Malini's beauty and grace during their initial encounter.
The two actresses shared adjacent rooms during a stay at Krishna Raj Sagar Dam , where they spent hours in conversation with their mothers.
Bano reflected on the late Dharmendra's profound respect and affection for Dilip Kumar , communicated through his manner rather than explicit declarations.
The recent reunion in Mumbai rekindled memories spanning over five decades of friendship.
Yesteryear actress Saira Bano has recalled the profound impact of her first encounter with Hema Malini during the filming of Deewana in 1966, sharing reflections on a recent visit by the Dream Girl to her residence in Mumbai. In an Instagram post, Bano described being "absolutely mesmerised" by Malini's beauty and grace, tracing a friendship that has spanned decades.
A reunion that sparked memories
Saira Bano recounted the emotion of welcoming Hema Malini back to her home, noting that the actress arrived accompanied by her cousin Prabha. "When she entered, she looked just as graceful, and in that instant, I was taken back to the very first time I met her in 1966, on the sets of Deewana with Raj Kapoor. Even then, I remember, I was quite simply mesmerised by her beauty — there is no other word that feels as true," Bano wrote.
Shared moments at Krishna Raj Sagar Dam
Beyond their initial meeting on set, Bano reflected on subsequent encounters, particularly during stays at Krishna Raj Sagar Dam, where the two actresses' rooms were adjacent. She described long afternoons spent in the verandah, engaging in unhurried conversations that ranged from beauty routines to deeper personal reflections. "Our mothers were with us too, and would often join, adding something wiser, something steadier, to our easy, unguarded conversations," she noted.
Remembering Dharmendra and Dilip Kumar
Bano's reflections also turned to the late legend Dharmendra, whom she admired for his warmth and his profound respect for Dilip Kumar. She highlighted the sincerity with which Dharmendra held his affections, describing how his regard for Dilip Kumar was communicated through his manner of speaking rather than explicit declarations. "The love and regard he had for Dilip sahib was never something he needed to declare; it was understood, in the way he spoke of him, with a respect that came from somewhere very deep," Bano wrote.
A bond across generations
The post underscores the enduring nature of friendships forged in cinema's golden age, where shared professional experiences and proximity during film shoots created lasting personal bonds. Bano's candid account offers a glimpse into the camaraderie that characterised the Hindi film industry during the 1960s.
Point of View
Coupled with intimate recollections of verandah conversations and maternal wisdom, reveals a Bollywood that was less transactional and more relational. In an era of curated Instagram narratives, Bano's unguarded nostalgia feels almost archival — a reminder that the golden age of Hindi cinema was built on genuine human bonds, not just box office numbers.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saira Bano first meet Hema Malini?
Saira Bano first met Hema Malini in 1966 on the sets of the film Deewana, where they were working alongside actor Raj Kapoor. Bano recalled being immediately mesmerised by Malini's beauty and grace.
What did Saira Bano say about Hema Malini's beauty?
Bano described being "absolutely mesmerised" by Hema Malini's beauty, noting that even during their recent reunion in Mumbai, Malini looked just as graceful as she had in 1966. She emphasised that no other word felt as true as "mesmerised" to capture her first impression.
Where did Saira Bano and Hema Malini spend time together?
Beyond their initial meeting on the Deewana set, the two actresses spent time together at Krishna Raj Sagar Dam, where their rooms were adjacent. They would sit for hours in the verandah, engaging in conversations about beauty, skincare, and personal matters, often joined by their mothers.
Who else did Saira Bano mention in her Instagram post?
Bano reflected on the late actor Dharmendra and his profound respect and affection for Dilip Kumar. She highlighted how Dharmendra's regard for Dilip Kumar was expressed through his manner of speaking rather than explicit declarations, reflecting a deep, sincere bond.
